Shaping Education: The growth of tertiary degrees in Ireland and a case study of tertiary student supports in Cork and Kerry

Pioneering Tertiary Degrees in Ireland

The National Tertiary Office, was established in 2023 under the auspices of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and SOLAS, to advance the embedding of a unified tertiary system, has helped to evolve Ireland's tertiary education. The development of the Joint Tertiary Degree embodies the aligning of national strategies and government policy initiatives aimed at broadening access, enhancing inclusivity, and delivering quality education. The concept of tertiary education, which bridges higher and further education, is central to Ireland's aim of creating a seamless, learner-centric model as provided for in the Higher Education Authority Act, 2022 (Irish Statute Book. (2022)  at S.33). Policies such as the Unified Tertiary System and the National Access Plan 2022-2028 have driven  better aligned learning and development opportunities,  including  tertiary degrees, thus facilitating pathways that cater to diverse learner needs and support lifelong learning. Realising the vision of a more cohesive educational system will fulfil a governmental objective to address the diverse needs of all learners in their pursuit of knowledge and skills across their lifetimes (Unified Tertiary Policy, 2023 at 2).

The development of tertiary education in Ireland has been closely aligned with the nation’s economic and workforce planning priorities, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills necessary for success in an increasingly dynamic labour market. By blending academic and vocational components, tertiary education offers a holistic framework that fosters both professional competence and personal growth.

Beginning a degree programme at a local College of Further Education and Training (College of FET) facilitates accessible commuting options during the initial year of study, enhances opportunities for work placements where applicable, and strengthens connections with local communities—resources that graduates may leverage in their future careers.

A Collaborative Approach in Cork and Kerry

In the Cork and Kerry region, a dynamic collaboration between the higher education institutions (HEIs), Munster Technological University (MTU) and University College Cork (UCC), and the Colleges of Further Education and Training in Cork and Kerry Education and Training Boards is leading the way in tertiaryfying student supports. This initiative aims to adapt and enhance existing services within the university setting to meet the unique needs of tertiary learners, who commence their studies in Kerry College and Cork College of FET. By integrating supports across sectors, students benefit from a cohesive and inclusive learning experience.

The partnership between these institutions is founded on a shared commitment to fostering student success and built on excellent long-standing relationships. Through a whole institution approach, collaboration with Admissions Offices; AnSEO -The Student Engagement Office at MTU; Further Education and Training Coordinators; and Access Teams across the HEIs and Colleges of FET, opportunities such as student-staff partnerships have been identified. These initiatives are facilitated through regular workshops, joint engagement efforts, and structured feedback sessions, ensuring that student needs are systematically evaluated and addressed. This collaborative framework not only supports a seamless transition for learners across various stages of their educational journey but also cultivates a strong sense of belonging within the academic community.

Marese Bermingham, Head of Teaching, Learning and Student Engagement,  MTU, highlights the importance of collaboration:

Our ongoing and developing partnership with the College of FET in the tertiary space is pivotal. Together, we’re ensuring that Teaching, Learning, Assessment and Student Engagement practices and student supports evolve to meet the demands of tertiary education, providing equitable opportunities for all learners. Our Student Engagement team at MTU are delighted to be involved and contributing to such an important national programme.  The student / staff partnership element of our collaborative work is key to ensuring that we respond to current learner needs while also informing future practices as Tertiary Education opportunities and possibilities evolve and emerge.

Dual Registration

Dual registration is a core feature of a tertiary degree. Dual registration (being a registered student of both the HEI and the College of FET) offers students the unique advantage of accessing resources from both Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Further Education and Training (FET) colleges. This approach provides a broader spectrum of academic, personal, and professional supports. From a student’s perspective, dual registration provides for greater flexibility, as students can leverage the strengths of both institutions. For example, students can attend workshops or access specialised equipment at the FET college while benefiting from the research facilities, academic expertise, and social facilities of the HEI. This dual access fosters a more holistic learning experience, breaking down traditional barriers to education and ensuring students feel supported in all aspects of their journey. It empowers them to tailor their education to their needs and aspirations, ultimately enhancing their academic and personal development.

Ensuring Inclusion and Amplifying Student Voice

Keeping learners and students at the centre of student engagement work is a key priority and an ambition of the National Access Plan 2022-2028. The inclusion of the student voice is a cornerstone of tertiary development. By working with students as partners, institutions in Cork and Kerry ensure that policies and supports are informed by lived experiences. This approach not only empowers students but also creates a feedback loop that drives continuous improvement. This approach has been adopted for the development of tertiary student resources in the region.

An example of this initiative is the development of a virtual space embedded within MTU’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), accessible to all their tertiary students. This space offers a centralised location where students can explore campus facilities, access support services, and connect with resources available through both the Higher Education Institution (HEI) and the College of Further Education and Training (FET). It also provides students with essential guidance on how to navigate their academic journey and make the most of the opportunities available to them.

The creation of this virtual space was a collaborative effort, developed through a student/staff partnership facilitated by Munster Technological University (MTU) under the HEA Performance Funding initiative. Students from two distinct degree disciplines worked alongside staff members to design the space and develop the content, including text panels, digital assets, banners and multimedia resources. This collaborative process has resulted in a resource addressing specific needs identified by the student body.

Sarah, a student who had never considered returning to education prior to hearing about the new tertiary route, has a new passion for learning and is now working collaboratively to enhance the journey of future tertiary students:

Returning to education, and specifically the tertiary degree has allowed me to gain the confidence I needed to enhance my critical thinking and problem-solving skills, make new friends, and also take the opportunities that are beneficial to me all while being financially aided by the college for my first two years. Returning to education has also boosted my confidence, empowering me to articulate my thoughts and beliefs more effectively enabling active engagement and helping develop new resources for others.

A further addition to the Cork and Kerry region’s array of student supports is the creation of SAM, our mascot. SAM, designed by Hanna Volynska, a digital animation student, is an acronym of Studying and Mentoring. SAM is integrated into the university’s tertiary digital resources, guiding students as they navigate through available supports and information. SAM’s role extends beyond simply providing guidance; it also creates opportunities for students to showcase their talents. SAM showcases ways to include student creativity to student-staff partnerships, ensuring students have the opportunity to contribute in a unique way to the university’s support systems and be recognised for their skills and innovation. This initiative not only enhances the digital student experience but also fosters a sense of belonging and recognition of student talent, creating pride and collaboration among the student body.

In addition to the virtual resources, MTU’s Cork Campus has successfully tertiaryfied their existing Student Engagement Associate Programme (SEA) to support tertiary learners. This initiative trains students to serve as liaisons between their peers and institutional staff, fostering a culture of partnership and inclusion. These associates play a pivotal role in bridging gaps, ensuring that all students feel heard, supported, and connected. The SEAs have engaged with students across all tertiary disciplines in the Cork area and operate a help desk at the Cork College of FET, Morrison’s Island Campus on Friday mornings, offering direct support to all students.

The way forward

As tertiary education continues to evolve, the Cork and Kerry region stands as a model of innovation and inclusivity. By prioritising student voice, fostering collaboration, and leveraging the strengths of both the Colleges of FET and the Universities, institutions are creating a robust tertiary framework for lifelong learning. The combination of physical campus visits with digital innovation and focusing on relationship-building, and the inclusion of the student voice highlight the commitment of the Cork and Kerry institutions to breaking down barriers and creating pathways that empower every student to succeed.

The impact of these initiatives is reflected in the experiences of students who have benefited from them: 

Niall, a current BSW student in UCC’s tertiary programme, entered the workforce directly after secondary school. After spending a decade building his career, he shares that returning to education through the tertiary route has reignited his passion for learning and enabled him to follow a pathway that aligns with his goals. He highlights that the tertiary route has been an excellent way to bridge the gap and prepare for the demands of higher education, making the transition much smoother than he initially expected. He shared this positive reflection of his journey so far:

Returning to formal education through the tertiary programme has been an incredibly positive experience for me so far. The idea of attending a university after being out of formal education for 10 years seemed daunting at first. However, the support and structure from both Cork FET and UCC has eased me into the expectations of a third level degree, making the whole process more manageable and gives me the confidence to progress into UCC full time next year.

Looking ahead, there is a lot done and a lot more to do! The focus will remain on scaling these innovations and sharing best practices across Ireland. By doing so, the Cork and Kerry region can continue to lead the way in creating a tertiary education system that is equitable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all learners.

For further information on tertiary degrees, to hear from the tertiary students and learn about opportunities that a tertiary degree can unlock, please watch the Tertiary Degree Video below.